If there is one issue the Precinct 2 county commissioner candidates agree on, it’s mobility and how critical it is for west Montgomery County.

While Incumbent Charlie Riley continues to push forward completing his remaining projects funded through the November 2015 road bond referendum, Democratic challenger Ronald Keichline said he would make mobility a “primary focus” and a “constant thread”.

“It’s nothing but mobility over here,” Riley said of the number one issue facing Magnolia residents. “Every road over here is under construction … they all go through the middle of Magnolia. With all the bond projects, we are making progress and we need to continue making that progress.”

For Riley, who has over 15 years with working with Precinct 2, his knowledge of the needs of the area makes him the right choice.

“It’s a good thing to me that you have a commissioner and precinct operations manager that grew up here,” he said. “We have people on our staff and crews that know every square inch of Precinct 2. I think that is invaluable, I really do.”

Riley added while there are other issues facing the precinct and county, mobility improvements would solve many of those like attracting more business and keeping drivers from sitting in traffic.

“I want people home with their families, not sitting traffic,” he said. “That’s my goal.”

Keichline said he is committed to investing in the county infrastructure like roads, bridges and flood control but said he also wants to ensure responsible stewardship of the county’s natural resources and bring “honor and ethics” back to the commissioners court. He added he plans to develop and follow a 30-day, 60-day, 120-day on-boarding plan.

According to Keichline, in his first 30 days he would compile a matrix of all Precinct 2 projects making it available to the public. Within the first 60 days in office, Keichline said he get out to all the areas of Precinct 2 and meet residents.

“I know that I will have to work hard to overcome the perception that I am “of The Woodlands” and I plan to show residents of Precinct 2 that I will proactively work to get to know their concerns, ideas, and hopes for their part of our County,” he said.

As for is first 120 days on the job, Keichline said he would be “completely up to speed” and helping guide commissioners court.

“I know the job is complex, detailed, and has many moving pieces,” he said. “I know and accept that the constituents I serve will expect me to represent their best interests. I will manage the Precinct budget and projects with attention to detail and full transparency to county residents.”